A seat unit provided with a retractable privacy shell

Abstract

The invention relates to an aircraft seat unit (10) comprising: - a seat (11) movable between a seating position and a reclined position, and - a privacy shell (13) extending at least partially around the seat (11), - the privacy shell (13) comprising a fixed part (23) and a movable part (25) movable relative to the fixed part (23), - the movable part (25) being movable between: - a retracted position in which the movable part (25) delimits, together with the fixed part (23), a partially closed space around the seat (11) to give the passenger privacy, and - a deployed position in which the movable part (25) is at a distance from the seat (11) in order to free up a space for accessing the seat (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a seat unit equipped with a retractable privacy canopy. The invention reveals particularly advantageous applications for "business class" and "first class" type seat units. Background Technology

[0002] In a manner known per se, each of these seating units includes a seat associated with a side console and a housing. The side console is provided with storage compartments, and the housing extends at least partially around the seat to define a semi-enclosed space around the passenger. This configuration ensures passenger privacy while seated.

[0003] The seat offers passengers different comfort positions ranging from a "sitting" position to a "reclining" position, in which the seat defines a basically horizontal sleeping surface, allowing the passenger to lie down. Intermediate comfort positions are also provided, such as a "relaxed" position with the seat back reclined sharply. These intermediate positions are typically achieved by tilting and pivoting the seat back about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the seat's extension axis.

[0004] Typically, aircraft cabins have multiple sets of seat units arranged in multiple rows, one after the other. Within a row of seat units, the distance between consecutive seat units (called "pitch") is relatively small, especially when the seats are angled relative to the aircraft cabin axis to optimize cabin filling. Therefore, this configuration makes it difficult for people with mobility impairments who need to be transferred from wheelchairs to seats by the crew to enter their seats. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to effectively overcome this deficiency by proposing an aircraft seat unit comprising:

[0006] - A seat that can move between a seated position and a reclining position, and

[0007] - A privacy shield that extends at least partially around the seat.

[0008] - The privacy shield includes a fixed portion and a movable portion relative to the fixed portion.

[0009] -The movable part is capable of moving between the following positions:

[0010] - In the retracted position, the movable portion, together with the fixed portion, defines a semi-enclosed space around the seat to provide passenger privacy, and

[0011] - Deployed position, in which the movable portion is moved away from the seat to make room for entry into the seat.

[0012] Therefore, due to the retractable privacy canopy of its movable portion, the present invention allows for increased access to seats with shorter spacing configurations, facilitating placement for people with mobility impairments. In the case of maintenance operations, the invention also facilitates access to equipment within the seat, particularly actuators or power supply boxes.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the movable portion is in the unfolded position, the movable portion is away from the seat, such that the seat in the reclining position can extend beyond the vertical projection of the semi-enclosed space defined by the privacy cover on the floor when the privacy cover is in the retracted position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the movable portion of the privacy shield includes:

[0015] -The main panel can be opened.

[0016] The panel can be opened once.

[0017] - A first pivoting connection is disposed between the main flap and the secondary flap to allow the secondary flap to rotate relative to the main flap about a first rotation axis.

[0018] - A second pivoting connection is disposed between the main flap and the fixed portion of the privacy shell to allow the main flap to rotate about a second rotation axis relative to the fixed portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivoting connection is formed by at least one hinge, particularly three hinges.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one or more hinges are of the invisible type.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat unit includes a rod having a first end rotatably mounted relative to the main flap and a second end rotatably mounted relative to a slider, the slider being slidable along a lower portion of the fixed portion of the privacy cover.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat unit includes means for locking and unlocking the secondary flap relative to the fixed portion of the privacy cover.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking and unlocking device includes a latch that can selectively engage with the firing pin in a locked state or disengage from the firing pin in an unlocked state.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat unit includes means for locking and unlocking the main flap relative to the fixed portion of the privacy cover.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking and unlocking device includes a finger that can selectively partially surround the pin in a locked state and disengage from the pin in an unlocked state.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat unit includes a bracket carrying the movable portion of the privacy cover, and at least one sliding connector that allows the bracket to translate relative to the fixed portion from the retracted position to the extended position, and allows the bracket to translate relative to the fixed portion from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding connector has a longitudinal direction that is parallel to or coincides with the axis of the seat, so as to allow the movable portion to move along the axis of the seat.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movable portion includes two panels that form a non-zero angle with respect to each other.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat unit includes means for locking and unlocking the translation of the movable portion relative to the fixed portion of the privacy shell.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking and unlocking device includes a hook lock that is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the lock engages with a corresponding locking pin integral with the movable portion, and in the unlocked position the lock disengages from the locking pin.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lock is arranged on a fixed column.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking pin is arranged on a movable column integral with the movable part.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the movable column includes at least one centering pin for engaging with a corresponding shape formed in the fixed column.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat unit includes an access baffle leading to the locking and unlocking device.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, an actuating device such as a lever or a button can control the movement of the baffle, which can move from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position the baffle closes the access space to the locking and unlocking device, and in the open position the baffle opens the access space to the locking and unlocking device.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cam device is mechanically connected to the actuating device via a connecting rod on one hand, and mechanically connected to the baffle on the other hand.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking and unlocking device includes a clamping device located on the support tray of the seat. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given as illustrative examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given as non-limiting examples. The drawings can be used to fully understand the description of the invention and its implementations and, if necessary, can aid in its definition. In the drawings:

[0039] [ Figure 1a ] Figure 1a This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a seat unit according to the present invention, the seat unit being provided with a privacy cover having a main flap and a secondary flap hinged relative to each other;

[0040] [ Figure 1b ] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a A three-dimensional view of the secondary flap of the seat unit unfolded;

[0041] [ Figure 1c ] Figure 1c It shows Figure 1a A 3D view of the unfolded main flap of the seat unit;

[0042] [ Figure 1d ] Figure 1d yes Figure 1a A perspective view of the privacy cover of the seat unit in the unfolded position, with the seat in the extended position to accommodate people with mobility impairments;

[0043] [ Figure 2a ][ Figure 2b ][ Figure 2c ][ Figure 2d ] Figures 2a to 2d The evolution of the angle between the main flap and the secondary flap is shown during the deployment of the movable part of the privacy shell;

[0044] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the structure that forms the fixed and movable parts of the privacy shell;

[0045] [ Figure 4a ][ Figure 4b ] Figure 4a and 4b These are, respectively, a perspective view and a top view of an "invisible" type of hinge used for the pivotal connection of the flaps that form the movable parts;

[0046] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the rod / sliding connection assembly of the cantilever used to support the movable part of the privacy shell;

[0047] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 The image shows a bottom view of the main and secondary flaps, the movable parts of the privacy cover, illustrating the mechanism for locking and unlocking the flaps by rotating them.

[0048] [ Figure 7a ] Figure 7a This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a seat unit according to the present invention, the seat unit being provided with a privacy cover having a movable portion mounted on a bracket, the bracket being capable of translational movement;

[0049] [ Figure 7b ] Figure 7b This is a perspective view showing the movable parts of the privacy shell in its unfolded position;

[0050] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 yes Figure 7a The rear view of the seat unit shows details of a device arranged vertically along the fixed portion for locking and unlocking the translation of the movable portion;

[0051] [ Figure 9a ][ Figure 9b ][ Figure 9c ] Figures 9a to 9c It is a perspective view showing the various stages of the opening of the access baffle, which leads to a device for locking and unlocking the translation of the movable part of the privacy shell.

[0052] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 This is a detailed view of the clamping device on the seat support tray, which is used to lock the movable part of the privacy cover;

[0053] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a seat unit without a seat, so that the bracket supporting the movable part of the privacy shell is visible.

[0054] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a fixed post of a seat unit according to the present invention, the fixed post carrying a locking hook for a movable part of a privacy cover according to the present invention;

[0055] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 It is a perspective view of a structural element mechanically connected to a movable part of the privacy shell according to the invention;

[0056] [ Figure 14a ][ Figure 14b ] Figure 14a and Figure 14b These are perspective views of a row of seat units according to the first embodiment and a row of seat units according to the second embodiment, respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0057] It should be noted that structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, these elements have the same structural, dimensional, and material properties.

[0058] Furthermore, in the remainder of the specification, relative terms such as “front,” “rear,” “horizontal,” or “vertical” are understood by reference to the general meanings given to these relative terms by passengers in the seat of the seat unit according to the invention.

[0059] Figure 1a A seat unit 10 is shown, comprising a seat 11 associated with a side console 12 extending along one side of the seat 11. Furthermore, a so-called privacy enclosure 13 extends at least partially around the seat 11 to define a semi-enclosed space 14 surrounding the passenger. This configuration ensures passenger privacy in the seat 11. A video screen 15 for a multimedia system or IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) system can be mounted at the rear of the privacy enclosure 13 for use by rear passengers, such as… Figure 8 As shown.

[0060] Seat 11 is advantageously provided with a movement mechanism to allow the seat to move between a “sitting” position and a “reclining” position. In the “sitting” position, seat 11 is configured to define a sitting position for the passenger, and in the “reclining” position, seat 11 is configured to define a sleeping surface for the passenger, which is advantageously substantially horizontal. Intermediate comfort positions are also provided, such as a “relaxed” position with the seat back of seat 11 strongly reclined.

[0061] Seat 11 has an extending axis X1 defined by the intersection of a horizontal plane and a vertical intermediate plane of seat 11, the vertical intermediate plane corresponding to the plane of symmetry of seat 11. The extending axis X1 of seat 11 can form a non-zero angle with respect to the central axis X2 of the aircraft cabin, for example, approximately 45 degrees. In this case, seat 11 rotates toward axis X2. As a variation, seat 11 can rotate in the opposite direction with respect to axis X2.

[0062] In the example shown, console 12 includes a horizontal upper wall 17. The upper wall 17 forms a surface on which passengers can place objects. On its rear side, a vertical storage space 18 can be provided, which includes one or more elements such as document bags, bottle racks, or minibars. The selection of storage compartments can be configured according to the airline's requirements. Furthermore, a portion 20 of console 12 may have armrest functionality.

[0063] The console 12 may also include a housing 21, namely the foot housing, having a horizontal inner surface that forms a footrest (or footstool) for use by a passenger on a seat 11 located in the rear seat unit 10. The foot housing... Figure 7a and Figure 8 It is clearly visible in the middle.

[0064] The control unit 22 (referred to as the "passenger control unit" or "PCU") is located near the passenger. The control unit 22 enables control over the selection of the seat 11 position and the environment of the seat 11, i.e., the video system, heating device, lighting atmosphere, or any other parameters of the environment of the seat 11.

[0065] The privacy enclosure 13 includes a fixed portion 23 and a movable portion 25 relative to the fixed portion 23. The fixed portion 23 includes one or more panels integrated with the console 12.

[0066] The movable part 25 is able to Figure 1a or Figure 7a The retraction position shown and Figure 1c or Figure 7b The movable portion 25 moves between the extended and retracted positions. In the retracted position, the movable portion 25, together with the fixed portion 23, defines a semi-enclosed space 14 around the seat 11 to provide passenger privacy. In the extended position, the privacy cover 13 moves away from the seat 11 to create access space to the seat 11. The distance of the movable portion 25 from the seat 11 is understood relative to the position occupied by the movable portion 25 in the retracted position.

[0067] Advantageously, when the movable part 25 is in the extended position, it is positioned away from the seat 11, allowing the seat 11 to extend beyond the semi-enclosed space 14 defined by the movable part 25 in the retracted position, thus facilitating the placement of individuals with mobility impairments. Specifically, as in... Figure 1d As can be seen in particular, the seat 11 in the reclining position extends beyond the vertical projection of the semi-enclosed space 14 defined by the privacy cover 13 and shown in shaded lines on the ground when the privacy cover 13 is in the retracted position.

[0068] exist Figures 1a-1d , Figures 2a-2d and Figure 3 In one embodiment, the movable portion 25 of the privacy cover 13 includes a main flap 26 and a secondary flap 27. A first pivoting connection 29.1 is disposed between the main flap 26 and the secondary flap 27 to allow the secondary flap 27 to rotate relative to the main flap 26 about a first rotation axis X3. A second pivoting connection 29.2 is disposed between the main flap 26 and the fixed portion 23 of the privacy cover 13 to allow the main flap 26 to rotate relative to the fixed portion 23 about a second rotation axis X4.

[0069] In the retracted position, the main flap 26 forms a non-zero angle with respect to the secondary flap 27, specifically an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Therefore, the flaps 26 and 27 have a configuration that allows them to at least partially surround the seat 11 to provide passenger privacy.

[0070] As in Figure 3 As can be seen, the flaps 26 and 27 may consist of vertical columns 31 (at least two at each end), horizontal crossbars 32, and two metal plates 33 disposed on both sides of the structural assembly formed by the columns 31 and crossbars 32. The metal plates 33 may be covered with inner and outer linings, the smoothness of which is ensured specifically by a painted film or material. Alternatively, the flaps 26 and 27 may take the form of panels made of composite materials.

[0071] The support structure 24 of the main flap 26 is formed here by two panels 28.1 and 28.2. Panel 28.1 is used to mechanically connect to the wall of the console 12 at the height of the foot housing 21. Panel 28.2 is fixed to the structural elements of the console 12 to form at least a portion of the fixed portion 23 of the privacy cover 13.

[0072] Advantageously, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pivoting connections 29.1 and 29.2 are formed by at least one hinge 30, and in particular three hinges 30. Thus, the three hinges 30 are disposed between the main flap 26 and the secondary flap 27, and between the main flap 26 and the fixed portion 23 of the privacy cover 13.

[0073] like Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the so-called "invisible" type hinge 30 comprises two portions 34 hinged relative to each other around an axis 37. Each portion 34 includes a protruding element 40, a so-called knuckle eye, for insertion into a correspondingly shaped housing disposed within the thickness of the flaps 26, 27. Each portion 34 also includes a retaining interface 45, which includes a channel hole for fasteners (e.g., screws). The retaining interface 45 can be covered by a cover 46 to conceal the screw head.

[0074] This construction allows for improved perceived quality of the assembly by minimizing the clearance between hinged elements aligned with the cutting line.

[0075] Advantageously, such as in Figure 5 As can be seen, the seat unit 10 includes a rod 35 having a first end rotatably mounted relative to the main flap 26 and a second end rotatably mounted relative to a slider 36 adapted to slide along a slider 38 disposed on a portion of the fixed portion 23. This configuration ensures cantilever and mass support for the secondary flap 27 in the unfolded position.

[0076] In this configuration, the slider 38 is positioned on the lower portion 39 of the fixed portion 23 of the privacy enclosure 13. The lower portion 39 is used to secure the enclosure to the floor of the aircraft cabin. The lower portion 39 includes two walls that form a non-zero angle between them, corresponding to the angle formed between the flaps 26 and 27 when the movable portion 25 is in the retracted position.

[0077] As in Figure 6 As can be seen, the seat unit 10 includes a device 41 for locking and unlocking the flap 27 relative to the fixed portion 23 of the privacy cover 13, particularly relative to the rotation of the lower portion 39.

[0078] The locking and unlocking device 41 includes a latch 43 that can selectively engage with the firing pin 44 in the locked state or disengage from the firing pin 44 in the unlocked state. The latch 43 can be operated by crew members or members of the maintenance team. The latch 43 is arranged, for example, on the movable part 25, more specifically on the secondary flap 27, while the firing pin 44 is arranged on a protective element 49 for external impacts, referred to as a "buffer" fixed to the lower part 39. As a variation, the configuration can be reversed, that is, the latch 43 is arranged on the protective element 49 and the firing pin 44 is arranged on the movable part 25.

[0079] Optionally, the seat unit 10 also includes a device 42 for locking and unlocking the rotation of the main flap 26 relative to the fixed portion 23 of the privacy cover 13. The locking and unlocking device 42 includes a finger 47 that is selectively partially engaged around the pin 48 in the locked state and disengaged from the pin 48 in the unlocked state. The transition from one state to the other is naturally achieved through a snap-fit ​​operation, without any action from the operator other than the rotation of the main flap 26. The finger 47 is disposed, for example, on the movable portion 25, while the pin 48 is arranged on the protective element 49. Alternatively, the configuration can be reversed, i.e., the finger 47 is arranged on the protective element 49, and the pin 48 is arranged on the movable portion 25. This "finger 47-pin 48" assembly also performs a mechanical force absorption function.

[0080] The following reference Figures 1a-1d and Figures 2a-2d The operation of the privacy cover 13 of the seat unit 10 according to the invention is described, which is capable of unfolding by rotating in two successive stages.

[0081] First, such as Figure 1a and Figure 2a As shown, the movable part 25 of the privacy cover 13 is in the retracted position.

[0082] The crew can then actuate the locking and unlocking device 41 to allow the secondary flap 27 to rotate relative to the main flap 26 about axis X3.

[0083] As in Figure 1b and Figure 2b As can be seen, rotation of the secondary flap 27 is permitted until the angle A1 formed by the secondary flap 27 relative to its retracted position reaches a limit angle, for example, approximately 45 degrees. "Approximately" means a change of plus or minus 10% relative to the value shown.

[0084] Once the limit angle is reached, the finger 47 of the device 41 disengages from the bolt 48, thereby allowing the main flap 26 to rotate.

[0085] As in Figure 2c As can be seen, rotation of the main flap 26 is permitted until the angle A2 formed by the main flap 26 relative to its retracted position reaches a threshold angle, for example, about 30 degrees. As the angle A2 increases, the rod 35-sliding connection 38 system begins to unfold from this threshold angle.

[0086] like Figure 2dAs shown, the slider 36 can then slide translationally along the slider 38, allowing the angle A2 of the main flap 26 to increase until it reaches a limit angle of approximately 55 degrees. In the unfolded position, the rod 35 can then support the significant mass generated by the cantilever caused by the separation of the movable part 25 from the seat 11.

[0087] When the movable part 25 is in the unfolded position, the crew can control the movement of the seat 11 through the seat control unit 22 to lower the seat back by 180 degrees, thereby changing the seat 11 from a seated position to a reclining position, and making it easier to place passengers on the seat 11.

[0088] Once the passenger has been transferred to seat 11, the crew can perform the reverse operation to raise the seat back to return seat 11 to the seated position, and then return the movable part 25 of the cover 13 to the retracted position to provide passenger privacy.

[0089] exist Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figure 8 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the movable portion 25 is capable of translational movement relative to the fixed portion 23. For this purpose, the seat unit 10 includes a bracket 53 that carries the movable portion 25 of the privacy cover 13 and at least one sliding connector 54, in this case two sliding connectors 54, to allow the bracket 53 to translate relative to the fixed portion 23 from a retracted position to an extended position and vice versa.

[0090] Sliding connector 54 is advantageously mounted on bracket 53 and Figure 11 The visible area is between the seat support trays 56. The support trays 56 specifically provide a fastening interface between the seat 11 and the aircraft cabin floor.

[0091] The sliding connector 54 has a longitudinal direction parallel to or coincident with the axis X1 of the seat, so as to allow the movable part 25 to move along the axis X1 of the seat 10, such as... Figure 7b As shown. The axis X1 here forms a non-zero angle with respect to the axis X2 of the aircraft cabin, for example, about 45 degrees.

[0092] The sliding connector 54 may be formed by longitudinal guides, rails or any other means suitable for producing the sliding connector 54 that are capable of sliding relative to each other.

[0093] Furthermore, the movable portion 25 includes two panels 59, 60 that form a non-zero angle with respect to each other, particularly approximately 90 degrees. Panels 59, 60 are preferably integrally formed with the other panel 59, 60, such that the combination of the two panels 59, 60 constitutes a single part of the movable portion 25 of the privacy cover 13. The structure of panels 59, 60 is similar to that of the aforementioned flaps 26, 27.

[0094] In order to mechanically connect the movable part 25 to the bracket 53, the bracket 53 includes Figure 13 The visible fixing interface 62 is provided with additional channel holes for fasteners, such as screws, bolts, or rivets, or any other fasteners suitable for the application.

[0095] As in Figure 8 As can be seen, the seat unit 10 includes a device 63 for locking and unlocking the translation of the movable part 25 relative to the fixed part 23 of the privacy cover 13.

[0096] The locking and unlocking device 63 includes a hook lock 65 that is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock 65 engages with a corresponding locking pin 67 fixed to the movable part 25. In the unlocked position, the lock 65 disengages from the locking pin 67.

[0097] As in Figure 12 As can be seen, lock 65 can be mounted on a fixed post 68 mechanically connected to control console 13. Fixed post 68 bears the load and... Figure 3 Similar to panels 28.1 and 28.2, there are two panels 69.1 and 69.2. Panel 69.1 is used for mechanical attachment to the wall of console 12 at the height of foot housing 21. Panel 69.2 is fixed to the structural elements of console 12 to form part of the fixed portion 23 of privacy shell 13.

[0098] Locking pin 67 is arranged on movable column 70 fixed to movable part 25, such as Figure 13 As shown. Advantageously, the movable column 70 also includes centering pins 72, in this case three centering pins 72, which are used to engage with the corresponding shapes in the fixed column 68.

[0099] Advantageously, such as in Figure 8 and Figure 12 As can be seen, an access baffle 73 is provided for the locking and unlocking device 63.

[0100] For example, the actuation device 75 of the lever or button can be operated by the crew and can control the movement of the movable baffle 73 from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position, the baffle 73 closes the access space to the device 63, and in the open position, the baffle 73 opens the access space to the device 63.

[0101] For this purpose, Figures 9a to 9c The cam device 76 shown is mechanically connected to the actuator 75 via a connecting rod 77 on one hand, and to a baffle 73 whose rotation can be controlled on the other hand.

[0102] like Figure 9a As shown, the crew's operation of the actuator 75 causes the cam 80 to rotate, which in turn moves the grooved cam 81, allowing the lug 82 to pass through the blocking point 83 of the groove 84. Figure 9b As shown, the spring hinge 87 then acts on the baffle 73, causing the lug 82 to move. Figure 9c As shown, the baffle 73 moves to the open position and the lug 82 abuts against one end of the groove 84. The crew can then access the lock 65.

[0103] A clamping device 89 can also be provided on the support tray 56 of the seat 11, such as Figure 10 As shown. The clamping device 89 is used to engage with a hook of a corresponding shape on the movable part 25 in the locked state, and to disengage from the hook on the movable part 25 in the unlocked state.

[0104] The following description Figures 7a to 13 The operation of the privacy cover 13 shown in the embodiment includes a movable portion 25 mounted on a bracket 53 that can be deployed according to translational movement.

[0105] First, such as Figure 7a As shown, the movable portion 25 of the privacy cover 13 is in the retracted position. In the retracted position, the movable portion 25 is located within the extension of the fixed portion 23.

[0106] The crew can then operate the actuator 75 to open the baffle 73 to access the locking and unlocking device 63. The crew can then release the lock 65 from the locking pin 67.

[0107] The crew also opened the clamping device 89 to allow the movable part 25 to translate relative to the fixed part 23.

[0108] Then, as Figure 7bAs shown, the movable part 25 can be moved to its unfolded position by sliding the bracket 53 along the sliding connector 54. The movement of the movable part 25 can be performed manually or automatically if the bracket 53 is equipped with a motor. In the unfolded position, the movable part 25 is located at a certain distance from the fixed part 23.

[0109] When the movable part 25 is in the unfolded position, the crew can control the movement of the seat 11 via the PCU control module to lower the seat back by 180 degrees, thereby moving the seat 11 from the seated position to the reclining position and facilitating the placement of passengers on the seat 11.

[0110] Once the passenger has been transferred to seat 11, the crew can perform the reverse operation to raise the seat back to return seat 11 to the seated position, and then return the movable part 25 of the cover to the retracted position to provide passenger privacy.

[0111] Figure 14a and Figure 14b The figures show three seat units 10 arranged in a row, one in front of the other. The figures also show two embodiments of the movable portion 25 of the privacy cover 13, which, compared to the construction of a conventional seat unit 10 with a fixed privacy cover, enable an increase in the access space of the seat 11 (see access space E in the case of a fixed privacy cover and access space E' obtained due to the movable portion 25 of the privacy cover 13 being in the unfolded position).

[0112] If needed, the privacy enclosure 13 can be fitted with a curtain-type airbag on the rear facade.

[0113] The fixed portion 23 of the privacy cover 13 may also include a removable door on the passageway side of the aircraft cabin.

[0114] Of course, different features, variations and / or embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are compatible with each other or not mutually exclusive.

[0115] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are provided by way of example only. The present invention encompasses various modifications, alternatives, and other variations that may be conceived by those skilled in the art within the context of the present invention, particularly all combinations of the various operating modes described above, which may be employed individually or in combination.

Claims

1. An aircraft seat unit (10), comprising: - A seat (11) that can move between a seated position and a reclining position, and - A privacy shield (13) that extends at least partially around the seat (11), Its features are: The privacy cover (13) includes a fixed portion (23) and a movable portion (25) relative to the fixed portion (23). -The movable part (25) is capable of moving between the following positions: - In the retracted position, the movable part (25), together with the fixed part (23), defines a semi-enclosed space (14) surrounding the seat (11) to provide passenger privacy, and -In the unfolded position, the movable part (25) moves away from the seat (11) to make room for entry into the seat (11). When the movable part (25) is in the extended position, the movable part (25) is away from the seat (11) such that the seat (11) in the extended position can extend beyond the vertical projection of the semi-enclosed space (14) defined by the privacy shell (13) on the floor when the privacy shell (13) is in the retracted position.

2. The seat unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable portion (25) of the privacy shield (13) includes: -Main flip panel (26). - one flip (27). - A first pivoting connector (29.1) is arranged between the main flap (26) and the secondary flap (27) to allow the secondary flap (27) to rotate relative to the main flap (26) about a first rotation axis (X3). - A second pivoting connector (29.2) is arranged between the main flap (26) and the fixed portion (23) of the privacy cover (13) to allow the main flap (26) to rotate about a second rotation axis (X4) relative to the fixed portion (23).

3. The seat unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pivoting connection (29.1, 29.2) is formed by at least one hinge (30).

4. The seat unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one hinge (30) is of the invisible type.

5. The seat unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The seat unit includes a rod (35) having a first end rotatably mounted relative to the main flap (26) and a second end rotatably mounted relative to a slider (36) which is slidable along a slider disposed on the lower portion (39) of the fixed portion (23) of the privacy cover (13).

6. The seat unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The seat unit includes a first device (41) for locking and unlocking the rotation of the secondary flap (27) relative to the fixed portion (23) of the privacy cover (13).

7. The seat unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first device (41) includes a latch (43) which is capable of engaging with the striker (44) in a locked state or disengaging from the striker (44) in an unlocked state.

8. The seat unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The seat unit includes a second device (42) for locking and unlocking the rotation of the main flap (26) relative to the fixed portion (23) of the privacy cover (13).

9. The seat unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second device (42) includes a finger (47) that is capable of partially surrounding the bolt (48) in a locked state and disengaging from the bolt (48) in an unlocked state.

10. The seat unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat unit includes a bracket (53) that carries the movable portion (25) of the privacy cover (13), and at least one sliding connector (54) that allows the bracket (53) to translate relative to the fixed portion (23) from the retracted position to the extended position, and allows the bracket (53) to translate relative to the fixed portion (23) from the extended position to the retracted position.

11. The seat unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The sliding connector (54) has a longitudinal direction that is parallel to or coincides with the axis (X1) of the seat (11) to allow the movable part (25) to move along the axis (X1) of the seat (11).

12. The seat unit according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The movable part (25) includes two panels (59, 60) that form a non-zero angle with respect to each other.

13. The seat unit according to any one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that, The seat unit includes a third device (63) for locking and unlocking the translation of the movable part (25) relative to the fixed part (23) of the privacy cover (13).

14. The seat unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The third device (63) includes a hook lock (65) that is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the hook lock (65) engages with a corresponding locking pin (67) fixed to the movable part (25). In the unlocked position, the hook lock (65) disengages from the locking pin (67).

15. The seat unit according to claim 14, characterized in that, The hook lock (65) is arranged on the fixed column (68).

16. The seat unit according to claim 15, characterized in that, The locking pin (67) is arranged on the movable column (70) which is integral with the movable part (25).

17. The seat unit according to claim 16, characterized in that, The movable column (70) includes at least one centering pin (72) for engaging with a corresponding shape formed in the fixed column (68).

18. The seat unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The seat unit includes an access baffle (73) leading to the third device (63).

19. The seat unit according to claim 18, characterized in that, The actuating device (75) can control the movement of the baffle (73), which can move from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the baffle (73) closes the access space to the third device (63), and in the open position, the baffle (73) opens the access space to the third device (63).

20. The seat unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The cam device (76) is mechanically connected to the actuator (75) via a connecting rod (77) on one hand, and to the baffle (73) on the other hand.

21. The seat unit according to claim 13, characterized in that, The third device (63) includes a clamping device (89) located on the support tray (56) of the seat (11).

22. The seat unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pivoting connectors (29.1, 29.2) are formed by three hinges (30).

23. The seat unit according to claim 19, characterized in that, The actuation device (75) is a lever or a button.

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